Different Mirrors for RS/GS ???

[Firefly]

Does anyone know if there are any aftermarket mirrors in the works to replace the stock units on the RS/GS ?

I thought I heard once that Magic Man might be working on such an item?

I've got the kewlmetal extenders --- but my mirrors still move too easily.

I guess my other option is switching to the ESI 'up and out' mirror extensions. Do those 'lock' into place better than the kewlmetal ones?

 

[Twodog185]

I tried moving mirrors to handlebars. Any generic mirror will mount with an "L" bracket.

I thought they were too close, and still vibrated. I went back and used hard plastic spacers and silicone to tighten OEM mirrors with extensions.

 

[Neez]

I was going to get extenders, but I installed some Emgo bar end mirrors instead. They solved the problem completely and are much cheaper and easier to install. Also, by keeping the stock bar end plugs, if you ever sell the Spyder, you can replace the plugs and re-use the Emgos on any other bike with 7/8 inch bars.

 

[dltang]

My Kewlmetal mirror extensions move too easily as well. At highway speeds, they will not stay in place and the wind pushes them forward and I can not see out of them. The screws are tightened as much as possible, so that is not the issue. I need the extension because with my 4" riser my hand is right in the mirror if they are just stock. What I have done for the time being is used plastic like a shim to prevent the mirrors from coming too far forward. It isn't a perfect solution but it definitely helps.

 

[Mad Matt]

Guys,

I have not had this issue with my kewlmetal extensions. You should be able to tighten the bolt enough to snug them down. It's an 8mm bolt so it should easily take 17 ft-lbs of torque and up to 22 ft-lbs without issues.

The only other thing I can think of is perhaps there is some powder coating down in the bore for the plastic bushing. Powder coat is surprisingly slippery in an application like this because it is essentially a plastic coating. So sanding out the powder coat and roughing up that surface a little bit will help quite a bit.

Mad Matt

 

[bone crusher]

Guys,

I have not had this issue with my kewlmetal extensions. You should be able to tighten the bolt enough to snug them down. It's an 8mm bolt so it should easily take 17 ft-lbs of torque and up to 22 ft-lbs without issues.

The only other thing I can think of is perhaps there is some powder coating down in the bore for the plastic bushing. Powder coat is surprisingly slippery in an application like this because it is essentially a plastic coating. So sanding out the powder coat and roughing up that surface a little bit will help quite a bit.

Mad Matt

The Kewl Metal mirror extensions were one of my first mods. Although they don't move around (like Deb's), they do vibrate a lot...is there any way to settle this down at high speeds? For example, with speaker installation in cars, they use that material that completely dampens vibration...can any of that be installed between the parts to help reduce vibration (while still looking good)? I see that someone above used silicone, but I think a vibration dampening option would likely be better...

Any ideas? I love the mirrors but this is the one complaint that is common amongst owners of the Kewl Metal mirror extensions.

 

[Firefly]

I'm going to order the ESI ones and give them a shot... gotta be better than the kewlmetal slosh I have right now.....

 

[Mad Matt]

The Kewl Metal mirror extensions were one of my first mods. Although they don't move around (like Deb's), they do vibrate a lot...is there any way to settle this down at high speeds? For example, with speaker installation in cars, they use that material that completely dampens vibration...can any of that be installed between the parts to help reduce vibration (while still looking good)? I see that someone above used silicone, but I think a vibration dampening option would likely be better...

Any ideas? I love the mirrors but this is the one complaint that is common amongst owners of the Kewl Metal mirror extensions.

Thats a tough one. Any extension will increase the vibration out at the mirror. Perhaps adding weight like a handlebar.

Matt

 

[Mad Matt]

I'm going to order the ESI ones and give them a shot... gotta be better than the kewlmetal slosh I have right now.....

Firefly,

You can give me a call, I am sure we can get yours tightened up. We have hundreds and hundreds of these out there that are working just fine.

I will admit, Magic Man did a nice job on his new design. Product design is an evolution and each new generation of products should be an improvement from the previous generation.

We have Improved the finish on ours and reduced the price while we sell out of the gen 1 mirror extensions. Then we will Improve the look and make them lock down easier on the gen 2 design.

623-298-7835.

Mad Matt

 

[spyryder]

Thats a tough one. Any extension will increase the vibration out at the mirror. Perhaps adding weight like a handlebar.

Matt

Or a strut?:dontknow:

 

[bone crusher]

Firefly,

You can give me a call, I am sure we can get yours tightened up. We have hundreds and hundreds of these out there that are working just fine.

I will admit, Magic Man did a nice job on his new design. Product design is an evolution and each new generation of products should be an improvement from the previous generation.

We have Improved the finish on ours and reduced the price while we sell out of the gen 1 mirror extensions. Then we will Improve the look and make them lock down easier on the gen 2 design.

623-298-7835.

Mad Matt

Will you have an inexpensive upgrade option so that those of us with generation 1 don't have to pay again? I love ESI's products and I can see many people switching, but if you have a solution, that'd be better for me. As far as having hundreds on the road, I imagine they vibrate for most everyone at high speeds...it's inherent in the design...I have mine tightened as can be and that doesn't affect the vibration. Although mine don't move readily when riding, if I pull on them, they will move. I don't know what generation 2 will involve, but I hope there will be an upgradable option for those of us who paid full price for gen. 1 and wish to keep your extensions. I like your products (can't wait to get my pegs installed) and hope you can figure something out to help.

Thank you for your consideration with this...

 

[jnt]

The ESI up and outs DO lock inplace PLUS they are UP AND OUT. Shoulders no longer in picture. Other than the glass area being a tad small, they work very well.

Thanks, ESI!!

 

[NancysToy]

When properly tightened, with or without extensions, the mirrors should not move when pushed. I have seen Spyders on the floor where the mirrors were loose...poor dealer preparation. If they do move, even slightly, then they need to be tightened further. ESI included some shim washers with their extensions to make this easier with certain mirror/extension combinations. Not every Spyder seems to fit exactly the same. I'm sure some sort of shim would also help if your KewlMetal extensions were loose. Even with the shims and the fasteners torqued, I still had some slight movement between the mirror and extension. My solution was to remove the extension cover, and put a couple of blobs of RTV silicone in the gaps on each side. Let it dry overnight, and problem solved. A combination of shims and silicone, plus use of a torque wrench as Matt has indicated above, should be able to resolve all movement and vibration problems, unless the whole Spyder is vibrating.

 

[Magic Man]

I'm going to order the ESI ones and give them a shot... gotta be better than the kewlmetal slosh I have right now.....

Give us a call.

We're gonna start a trade in program on these to help people who want to try out the lock in tight Street Magic Up and Out design.

MM

 

[Firefly]

Firefly,

You can give me a call, I am sure we can get yours tightened up. We have hundreds and hundreds of these out there that are working just fine.

I will admit, Magic Man did a nice job on his new design. Product design is an evolution and each new generation of products should be an improvement from the previous generation.

We have Improved the finish on ours and reduced the price while we sell out of the gen 1 mirror extensions. Then we will Improve the look and make them lock down easier on the gen 2 design.

623-298-7835.

Mad Matt

Hey Matt-- thanks--- didn't mean to sound too negative about your product--- it really has worked well for all the miles I've put on it.

Both you guys make great stuff--- and we are fortunate to have you working on such new and inventive items for the Spyder.

Just wanted to try a different approach to get my mirrors locked in place.

I ordered the ESI units online today.....

 

[Tom in NM]

Where is Dudley?

I don't have much vibration with my stock mirrors, but I was wondering if sealing some BBs in the gap would cut it down?

Not really an issue for me, so I've never tested doing that.

Tom

 

[Mad Matt]

Give us a call.

We're gonna start a trade in program on these to help people who want to try out the lock in tight Street Magic Up and Out design.

MM

Kewl. What a great Idea, I am so glad YOU thought of it Evan. Kewlmetal will now start a trade in program on the NMN risers. Details will be announced soon.

 

[Magic Man]

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:

 

[LittleJohn]

This should be fun!!!! Trade in ESI stuff for Kewlmetal and Kewl Metal for ESI!!!!!

You guys can just sell back the stuff to the other guy!!!! LOL

 

[dltang]

Guys,

I have not had this issue with my kewlmetal extensions. You should be able to tighten the bolt enough to snug them down. It's an 8mm bolt so it should easily take 17 ft-lbs of torque and up to 22 ft-lbs without issues.

The only other thing I can think of is perhaps there is some powder coating down in the bore for the plastic bushing. Powder coat is surprisingly slippery in an application like this because it is essentially a plastic coating. So sanding out the powder coat and roughing up that surface a little bit will help quite a bit.

Mad Matt

Matt,
I appreciate all your advice, but I am going to give the In & Out's a try. Trust me, I have these things torqued tight and they aren't getting any tighter but the mirrors are floppy. Just riding down the road, they move and in the wind they move forward and I can't see. I am using plastic shims right now just to prevent them from moving too close to me. I am trading these in for the others. I still know you make great products and probably just got a bad set. I do not plan on leaving any poor remarks on your product. You make quality stuff and I am sure there are some things on your site we would be interested in in the future.

I do have to say though, I have had great experiences with Evan and all of his products so far. I look forward to trying out his mirrors.